What is Metal Lubricant and What Are the Applications?

A lubricant is actually the material which is introduced in order to reduce the friction between those substances that are in mutual contact. The use of metal lubricant can reduce the extent to which heat is generated on contact. Apart from this, the lubricant has other functions like transmitting the forces, transportation of foreign particles and also heating or cooling the surfaces. Cutting fluid is generally the kind of lubricant or coolant meant specifically for the process of metalworking. The cutting fluid or the lubricant may be oil water emulsion, oils, gels, pastes, aerosols or even air and gases. The lubricant is made with animal fats, plant oils, petroleum distillate and other kinds of raw ingredients. Cutting fluid may benefit machining and metalworking processes. Only brass and cast iron makes use of dry lubricants.

The chief features of good quality metal lubricant

When you use the metal lubricant, make sure it has the following features:

• It will not be extremely hot but has to be warm. The work piece must stay at stable temperature with its usage.
• A good quality lubricant will be known for maximizing the life period of cutting tip by simply lubricating working edge to prevent tip welding.
• It will be safe for the person using or handling it. The lubricant will not lead to toxicity when disposed.
• It will also prevent rust formation to the cutters and machine parts.

In the category of lubricants, there can be those which are oil based or bio lubricant, synthetic oil, aqueous lubricant or solid ones.

The main applications of metal lubricant

The lubricant has variety of purposes. When applied on the surface, it can keep the parts moving, transfer the heat and reduce friction. It also carries away the debris and various contaminants from the metal surface. The lubricant can protect the surface from wear and tear, prevent corrosion, seal the area and prevent the surface from coming in contact with the gases, stop the chance of fire, prevent rust formation. Motor oil lubricant has great application since it protects the internal combustion engine and powered equipments. If the lubricant is of good quality, it will have additives in it to form chemical bonds over the metallic surfaces to restrict rust and corrosion formation. Thus, there will be no chance of corrosion between two metallic surfaces while it also helps to avoid contact between them.

The chief example of solid lubricant

Graphite is the most important component in solid lubricants. Owing to its lamellar structure, it is an effective lubricant additive in the dry powder form. The lamellar structure completely prevents the contact between surfaces and thus there is no corrosion or wear and tear of surface. So, when the conventional lubricant is of no use, you can use the solid one. It is used widely for lubricating gear and chain. Polymer and ceramics also has great use of graphite lubricant. It can easily thrive in higher temperature where the liquid lubricant fails altogether.

In the regular day to day usage, graphite lubricant is most suitable. But then, the quality of the lubricant may vary owing to the quality of the ore and also post mining. To collect more information on the same, you can check out the official link Tribologix Inc.

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The author of this article has an extensive knowledge in the field of Metal Lube and Metal Coating.

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